Even before the farmers could recover from the onslaught of nature’s fury that hit mango crops in the district earlier this month, Tuesday’s rain, wind and hailstorm has led to further loss and damage.
Mangos grown on hundreds of acres of land in Srinivasapur taluk, popular as the Mango barn of Karnataka, was damaged as the winds and lashing rain led to the falling of the fruits from the trees. This may affect the quantity of mango supplied to the markets including Bengaluru. A large number of mango trees were also uprooted.
Deputy Commissioner K.V. Thrilokchandra accompanied by Tahasildar D. Vidyavathi and Horticulture Department officials visited some places on Wednesday to take stock of the situation. He inspected mangroves at Doddapalli, Sheegahalli, R. Thimmasandra where crops were damaged.
Mr. Thrilokchandra directed officials concerned to conduct survey and prepare report within a week about the loss.
Benisha and badami, the two varieties which have large demand in the market, have suffered huge damage due to hailstorm on Tuesday.
Rs. 2.70 crore relief proposal
Loss of crop due to hailstorm which hit the district on April 30 on 1,500 hectare was reported. A proposal to provide relief to the tune of Rs. 2.70 crore has been submitted to the government, the Deputy Commissioner said.
“The wind and hailstorm has dashed our hopes of earning a good income”, Venkatesh, a farmer at Meesaganahalli said.
Farmers were seen collecting the dropped mango fruits to sell in the market which will fetch only a meagre income.
